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Lindy’s on 4th is undergoing a metamorphosis.
For starters, the unconventional burger joint on Fourth Avenue is expanding into former Maya Quetzal space next door. Additions include a 27-foot-long bar featuring 10 beer taps, local beer, local liquor, and possibly a back patio.
“We’re all about supporting local businesses whenever we can,” said Kate Wheat, Reilly’s sister and general manager at Lindy’s on 4th.
Accessibility is also still a priority at Lindy’s.
“We’ll have cool drinks with cheap-ass beers,” said Lindon Reilly, owner of his eponymous restaurant Lindy’s. “And milkshakes. I’m stoked.”
No estimated date of completion is available due to ongoing construction. However, the menu is already undergoing changes.
“Everything is moving to being made from scratch,” Reilly said.
Buns are the main exception. Lindy’s Sauce, barbecue sauce, wing sauces, and house pickles will all be made in house.
The pre-formed one-third pound patties are being replaced by larger, hand-formed half-pound patties with a house blend of spices from Mount Hope Wholesale.
Though the menu changes have been in the works for a while, a price increase are due in part to the minimum wage increase.
“If we have to raise prices, we’ll make sure you get the most bang for your buck,” Reilly said.
Since the quality of the ingredients is going up as well, Reilly has been more selective with sourcing for ingredients such as beef.
“I was inspired after working with Ray Flores from Charro Steak,” Reilly said.
Lindy’s on 4th is shamelessly gluttonous with creations such as the OMFG Burger featuring three pounds of meat and a pound of cheese, forever etched in fame after being featured on the Travel Channel’s Man v. Food with Adam Richman. (Side note: Local competitive eater Michelle Lesco holds the OMFG Burger speed-eating record at just two minutes and twenty-two seconds. She’s 5’4″ and 112 pounds.)
However, Reilly can no longer afford to “get high off his own supply.” Although Reilly had been monitoring his health regularly, one visit revealed a plethora of issues all at once — pneumonia, congestive heart failure, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
“The doctor said if you don’t do something about this, you won’t make it until February,” Reilly said.
He reduced his burger intake, stopped drinking, and had gastric bypass surgery.
“As of today all my ailments are gone and I’m 130 pounds down total so far,” Reilly said.
Although the OMFG Burger and 2 Finger Peekaboo aren’t going anywhere, veggies are getting some more love. Lindy’s will offer more salads and vegetarian options.
An upgraded chicken sandwich is in the works, along with a more fleshed out happy hour menu.
For more information, visit lo4th.com.
Jackie Tran is a Tucson-based food writer, photographer, culinary educator, and owner-chef of the food truck Tran’s Fats. Although he is best known locally for his work for Tucson Foodie, his work has also appeared in publications such as Bon...
